Inside the New York Yankees clubhouse with MLB.com beat writer Bryan Hoch.

Spring Game 23: Yankees at Pirates

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Bradenton, where Ivan Nova will try to continue his solid spring on the mound for the Yankees. Nova entered the spring competing with David Phelps for the fifth starter’s job, and while both have pitched well, Joe Girardi said he’s no closer to a decision — in part because he really doesn’t need to make one, since Phil Hughes’ situation remains so uncertain.

It would figure that Nova and Phelps will both be in the rotation for at least the first turn in the regular season, with Hughes rejoining the starting five the second time through. That’s an idea right now, but obviously so much can change between now and then with Nova, Phelps and Hughes. These things never really seem to work out the way you plan in March. So … stay tuned.

Old friend Russell Martin is in the lineup for the Bucs this afternoon. Martin said he has “no regrets” about the way things worked out with the Yankees, and thinks the Yankees will be OK defensively this year with Francisco Cervelli and Chris Stewart behind the plate. Girardi said, of course, that neither Cervelli nor Stewart will be expected to match Martin’s power.

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